Originally posted by will22
I like the design of the RRK but before you buy it check out Swamp Rat Knife Works. They are a devision of Busse Knives and they make a medium size knife called the Camp Tramp for $130. The best part is they still offer an all inclusive warrenty, it even covers all out abuse!
Gee will22, did you know that the Benchmade R&R is an uncoated stainless (GIN-1) sheepsfoot knife with about a 4 inch blade, removeable G-10 scales and a kydex sheath? I doubt it. Why bother posting an opinion about a knife you have likely never handled and certainly never used and then suggesting another far more expensive knife that you have never handled and never used? Get real.:barf:
Back to topic:
Six String - the R&R is a very nice knife for the price. I used a BM Nimravus (from which the R&R was derived) and it is a very good backpacking knife. The GIN-1 steel is quite adequate and has good stain resistance. I think though, that you will find that the very specialized sheath supplied with the R&R may not be your first choice for a backpacking knife. Unfortunately, getting an aftermarket sheath will cost you another $35 or so, which brings the price up to $80-$100 depending on where you purchase the R&R.
So I would advise you to handle the knife with the sheath first. If you find the sheath is acceptable, then I suggest it is a good value. However, if you find it clumsy (I did)you may want to look at other knives such as:
Spyderco Moran Drop Point (great kydex sheath)
Grohmann Model #1 with Micarta Handle (special order)decent leather pouch sheath (or Marshman Brothers stocks aftermarket kydex)
Others swear by Fallkniven such as the F1 which comes with multiple sheath options.
None of these follows the sheepsfoot pattern, but they are all great cutters and very versatile. Each has a good sheath option as part of the basic purchase. The Spyderco and Fallkniven use VG-10 steel, the Grohmann uses an unidentified "German Stainless Steel" which is rumored to be 440A. I have recently gotten a Grohmann Survivial knife, but haven't cut a thing with it yet.
